TTI Cited for Employee Support

Dennis Christiansen (right center) holds a plaque he received from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. Also honored was Lee Gustavus (far left). Also pictured are Chip Sosa (left center) and George Dresser (far right).

Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) Research Technician Lee Gustavus and TTI Agency Director Dennis Christiansen were recognized by the National Committee for the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) during a recent ceremony.

Research Associate Chip Sosa, a member of the Texas Army National Guard, nominated Gustavus and TTI for the awards. “TTI and my supervisor, Lee Gustavus, have been extremely helpful and flexible every time I’ve had to fulfill my Guard duties,” Sosa said. “I feel that Lee and TTI deserve some recognition.” Sosa is scheduled to be deployed overseas, possibly to Iraq, in October.

ESGR Chairperson George Dresser presented TTI with the Above and Beyond Award and Gustavus with its Patriotic Employer Award. Dresser told those gathered at the presentation that since Sept. 11, 2001, more than 723,000 members of the Guard and Reserve have been called into active duty. And many of those have been called up as many as three times.

“It’s an easy call for us to support the men and women of the Guard and Reserve,” Christiansen said in accepting the award on behalf of TTI. “Their sacrifices ensure our freedom here at home.”